MLB, MLBPA donate $200K to support tornado relief efforts

Additional efforts to encourage participation in relief activities include PSAs and promotion on MLB Network and MLB.com

NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) are joining together to contribute $200,000 toward relief efforts for tornado victims in the Midwest and the Southeast. The funds from MLB and the MLBPA are being donated to Heart to Heart International, a Kansas City-based humanitarian organization that has been providing technical assistance, volunteer support and necessary resources, including their Mobile Health clinic, in disaster areas in the Midwest and Southeast.

MLB will be encouraging baseball fans to support tornado victims via all its media assets with national television partners, MLB.com and MLB Network. In addition, relief efforts will be promoted with signage behind home plate and public service announcements during game broadcasts. The contributions by MLB and the MLBPA are being made in a collaborative effort on behalf of the league, all 30 clubs, players, MLB Network and MLB Advanced Media (MLB.com).

"Major League Baseball is committed to providing assistance to the victims of this horrible tragedy," said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. "The destruction and damage to these communities are beyond comprehension. We hope our contributions with the Players Association, as well as those from our fans and supporters, will help those affected by this crisis with the emergency assistance they need."

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the individuals and families affected by these devastating storms," said MLBPA executive director Michael Weiner. "On behalf of the MLBPA and its members, I thank Major League Baseball and the clubs for joining with us to help provide assistance to those in need. We encourage others to join in this effort."

MLB Network will feature on-air mentions during in-studio programming and signage visibility along the baseline for Heart to Heart International. MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, will also support relief efforts with editorial coverage, social media outreach and prominently-displayed links to Heart to Heart International where baseball fans can make contributions online.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.